A new set of Accelerator programmes is being launched by Barclays to support entrepreneurs that focus on solving social and environmental problems.

Barclays has joined forces with Unreasonable Group, a leading platform for entrepreneurs solving global challenges with highly-scalable models, to launch a new partnership called Unreasonable Impact.

It is the first international network of Accelerators that are each focused on scaling up entrepreneurial solutions to pressing societal and environmental problems that have the potential to employ thousands of people worldwide.

Each company taking part in the programmes will be positioned to create at least 500 jobs in the next five years. The first programme focusing on ventures in the UK and Ireland has launched and will run until early October, with additional programmes launching in the US later this year and in Asia in early 2017.

The entrepreneurs will receive focused and bespoke support, advice, and guidance from business experts, serial entrepreneurs, and key funders to help them scale their ventures and create the much needed jobs of tomorrow.

Richard Heggie, Head of High Growth & Entrepreneurs at Barclays said: “Scale-ups are vital to spurring economic growth across the UK. This programme is another example of our focus on energising and supporting ambitious entrepreneurs in their challenging scale up stage, underlining Barclays’ Shared Growth Ambition, and backing the future disrupters of tomorrow.”

Daniel Epstein, founder and CEO of Unreasonable Group said: “Within the next four years, it is estimated that we will need 212 million new jobs to accommodate current unemployment and projected job loss due to new industries. We are privileged to be partnering with Barclays because both organisations believe the solution to alleviating global unemployment lies in supporting and scaling high-growth entrepreneurs as job creators.”